Jonita gandhi I grew up listening to soulful music because my brother and father played music as a hobby. She is a multifaceted performer who has made a name for herself singing in various languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Malayalam and Kannada. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s Breakup Song, Chennai Express title her track and most recently She Brahmastra’s Deva Deva are some of her songs written in Hindi. These songs made her even more popular. From an early age, she started recording covers of her songs, including popular songs by Pani Daran, Tam Hi Ho, and Ye Hong Sura. Since then, she has become her YouTube sensation. The singer has spoken of jamming with talented artists such as Salim Sulaiman, Sonu Nigam, and Amit Trivedi, both in her recording studio and on tour. Playbacks with AR Rahman, her Pritam and more Her collaboration as a singer was just a dream come true for her. Her family moved to Canada when she was nine months old. While she was surrounded by a lot of Bollywood music during her growing up years, her singer has also been influenced by ABBA, Beyoncé and Lauren Hill.In a candid conversation, Jonita We talk about her big break with Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express title track, the versatility of her body of work, and how being nominated for a Filmfare Award was a defining moment in her career. excerpt:
How exposed were you to Indian music as a child?
Growing up, there was always Bollywood music playing in my house. I used to sing and dance to the songs my parents played, from golden oldies to the latest Bollywood releases. My father was also into music as a hobby, and his band would often rehearse at home. They were playing Bollywood songs at local events. That’s how I started playing as a kid.
How did your family shape your musical talents?
My family loves music. My father played guitar in the college band and now also plays keyboard. My brother is also a percussionist. And they’ve both performed at local South Asian events around our hometown in Canada.
Which singer did you listen to the most?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of songs by various Western singers, not just Bollywood. When it comes to Bollywood, I learned probably the most by listening to Rataj (Mangeshkar), Ashaji (Bosle), Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidi Chauhan.
When I sing in different languages, I try to stick to expressions and voices. We understand that slight differences in pronunciation can completely change the meaning of a word, so we rely on native girlfriend speakers around us in the studio to help us understand just before hitting the mic. . Create a kind of legend in your notes to help you remember the pronunciation and meaning while recording.
Chennai Express was a big break in Bollywood. how did you land
The night we recorded the song was the first time I met Vishal Dadrani. He happened to be working on a song when I ran into him in the studio while visiting my friend Abhishek Ghatak, who was working there at the time. When he asked me if I wanted to try the song, my fight-or-flight instinct kicked in and I gave it a try. I went out with no expectations, but when I found out I had my voice in the song, I was so excited.
How did your journey with AR Rahman begin, and how has he been guiding you?
It all started when Rahman sir found one of my YouTube videos and shared it on Twitter. Little did I know then that it would lead to an association that would last for many years. Not long after that I got a call to record at Rahman Sah’s studio in Chennai. In the studio and behind the mic with him, I had an indescribable experience. He asked me to try things I didn’t know I could do, but somehow he knew I could. I am full of gratitude for being able to do it. I was the only female singer on the North American Intimate Tour, so I remember being very nervous when I toured with him for the first time. Working with him is still a rewarding experience.
You are quite the YouTube sensation. Have you posted your work on the platform with a view to finding a job in Bollywood?
When I started YouTube, I didn’t understand the power of the platform. I had no idea it would lead to my dream career. At first I started sharing videos with my friends, but then I noticed people all over the world started reacting to them. When I started getting inquiries and recognition for the show from heavyweights in the industry, I realized there was a bigger picture ahead.
How different do you think the indie music scene is compared to movie replay singing?
Both can be quite different. Playback songs are like paid jobs. Singers are usually called to perform pre-planned songs, and many people from different departments become part of the process. In my opinion, an independent music scene allows artists to make more connections with their listeners on a personal level. The process of releasing music in both spaces is also very different and includes everything from strategy to budget.
Did you go on stage while studying?
During college, he regularly participated in events. It was like a part-time job for me. Most students make money in retail or other means, but gigs were my main source of income. It was a great way to balance work and play. On weekends I would come home from campus and perform, and on weekdays I would go back to school.
Have you ever laughed or embarrassed yourself with your fans?
I remember meeting fans who knew me specifically from my YouTube cover. He was so awed by the fact that I was standing in real life, saying, “I can’t believe you came out of YouTube!” Haha.
If you could pick one song from your career that accelerated your musical journey in the industry, what would it be?
I think The Breakup Song is the song that helped people recognize my name and voice in the early days. But Chellamma from the Tamil film Doctor (2021) grew faster than any song I sang before. I could see the impact on social media.
What do you think of your latest hit, Deva Deva?
i like that song It was beautifully projected on the movie screen. I like anthemic songs, especially the chorus, and everyone wants to sing along. It has always been an honor to work with the team of Arijit Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya and Pritam Da.
You have been nominated for a Filmfare Award in the past for The Breakup Song, Laila Majnu’s Ahista…
Being nominated for a Filmfare Award is like reaching a career milestone. I was so happy to be with singers who have been nominated several times in the past and who I looked up to even before I pursued singing. It’s unrealistic and it means a lot to be recognized among people I admire and respect so much.
What’s Next in the Pipeline?
I look forward to everything in the next year and beyond. I’ve been exploring music with some personal projects and recording a film at the same time. Stay tuned to our social media channels as we announce more details.
